The Supreme Court agreed Tuesday to revisit affirmative action in state-college admissions, suggesting a 2003 ruling that narrowly permitted race-conscious policies in public higher education may face tough scrutiny from today’s more conservative court. The case, which comes from the University of Texas at Austin, joins a docket already crowded with major issues, most prominently President Barack Obama’s 2010 health-care overhaul, whose constitutionality will be argued next month. WSJ’s Jess Bravin has the latest. Download MP3

In the days after Japan’s 2011 nuclear accident, the U.S. surprised the world by ordering a 50-mile evacuation zone for U.S. citizens, far larger than Japan’s own zone. That sowed fear and created tension with one of the U.S.’s closest allies. Now, almost a year after the accident, newly released transcripts of discussions by U.S. officials give the clearest picture yet of how that move was based at least in part on faulty information about whether spent fuel rods in one reactor had been exposed. WSJ’s Peter Landers breaks down the report. Download MP3

Nearly eight months after the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident scattered radioactive material over surrounding communities, Japan still is struggling to figure out how to clean up the mess, exacerbating fears about health risks and fanning mistrust of the government. Government guidelines provide scant detail about the $14-billion-plus effort. Frustrated residents of some towns have planted sunflowers in a fruitless effort to suck radioactive cesium out of the farmland. WSJ’s Yumiko Ono has the latest. Download MP3

Did you know that where you live plays a big role on how many kids show up at your doors? Or, that some treaters prefer cash? SmartMoney.com’s Kelli Grant breaks down the 10 things trick-or-treaters won’t tell you. Download MP3

Mothers in southern Italy are having a hard time cutting the cord as their grown up children move north for jobs. Despite the distance, moms have found a way to make sure their children stay fed. Stacy Meichtry shares how Sunday lunch overcomes great distances. Download MP3

About WSJ This Morning

Wake up with America’s first news – The Wall Street Journal This Morning. Host Gordon Deal and news anchor Gina Cervetti go beyond the headlines with the day’s first look at news and business news from the U.S. and around the world; bringing a lively blend of intelligent information, humor, and expert analysis to morning radio.

Station Finder

Biographies

Gordon Deal Before taking the helm at The Wall Street Journal This Morning in November 2005, Gordon was well-known to New York City radio listeners, having worked at both WINS-AM and WCBS-AM where he honed his writing skills and developed his distinctive on-air reporting style. He also served as New York City bureau chief for Metro Networks where his reports aired on WOR-AM and WABC-AM.

Gina Cervetti has an extensive radio news anchoring and reporting background including several years at Boston NPR affiliate WBUR-FM where she anchored the local production of "All Things Considered" and "Here and Now." Gina is an Associated Press Award-winning broadcaster, whose reports have been heard all over New England, including WRKO Boston and WTAG Worcester. She graduated from Boston University.

Mike Gavin oversees the production of the show which includes coordinating segments with WSJ reporters, editors, and outside newsmakers. He also oversees the sound and content of the show including all music and sound elements. Mike had spent a decade in radio programming and production before finding a home at WSJ Radio in 2007. He lives at the Jersey Shore with his wife and son.